Robinson Newspapers publisher Jerry Robinson dies at 94

| Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Robinson Newspapers has announced the death of publisher Gerald “Jerry” Robinson, 94, of Burien. According to the company’s 1987 history book West Side Story, Mr. Robinson’s publishing career began in 1952, when he bought the White Center News; in the early ’70s, he took over the West Seattle Herald, subsequently merging it with the WC News, and then bought the Highline Times. He later acquired the Ballard News-Tribune, and his company last year combined the three print publications to create the Westside Weekly. Our photo at left is from 2009, when Mr. Robinson received the Community Service Award from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce; accepting the award, he told Chamber members that he had tried to retire once, but felt “useless” when not working, because, he explained: “Nothing is as fulfilling” as being of service to others. Mr. Robinson continued to write weekly columns until recently. No memorial service has been announced yet; the online announcement says a detailed obituary is to be published later.

iggy May 27, 2014 (9:27 am)

The end of an era. And a long and fruitful life. Back in the 1970s and into the 1980s and early 1990s, the West Seattle Herald was THE source of news, commentary, and action in the West Seattle Community. Letters to the Editor in the West Seattle Herald were a precursor to the West Seattle Blog Comments of today. Much good came from Jerry Robinson and his publication.

E May 27, 2014 (11:16 am)

I really liked the “Jerry’s View” column in the herald. Probably my favorite part of the paper.

miws May 27, 2014 (11:55 am)

The passing of a Local Legend…

Condolences to the Robinson Family.

Mike

Josh Sutton May 27, 2014 (11:56 am)

Thanks to Jerry for his decades of community building and leadership. The Herald has been a thread stitching together our West Seattle fabric for generations. Today, their historical value is key to tracking how West Seattle developed, lived and grew.
Jerry’s voice rang through his writing and conveyed how our lives have changed over his many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Robinson family and all of the employees during this difficult time.
Thanks WS Blog for posting this news.

alki resident May 27, 2014 (2:24 pm)

Patrick and Kim,Im so sorry. You had such an amazing father. I will never forget his stories in the paper. What a gem we had in our community. My heart goes out to you.

Gerry Gilbert May 27, 2014 (4:43 pm)

A true pillar of the community and supporter of so many good things has left us. The community has lost a strong voice and advocate. The world has lost one of the last true newspaper men. Heart felt condolences to the Robinson family and all of the staff at Robinson News.

Ray West May 27, 2014 (5:41 pm)

Sorry to hear that, but an amazingly long life. I used to work for the company. The pay was nothing, but he was an overall decent guy.

Brian Boyle May 28, 2014 (10:37 am)

Sorry for the loss of such a great man, a man that I have looked up to for many years. A great leader, a great father, a great friend. May you rest in peace at the right hand of the Lord.

Brian and Jeanine Boyle

Georgie Kunkel May 28, 2014 (11:09 pm)

Such a long history of writing for the Robinson papers will not be the same without Jerry.
He will be missed bigtime. So glad that my friend Emil and I were able to visit with him shortly before he died. He told his stories whenever there was someone to listen and we all listened.

Cheers, Georgie Bright Kunkel

Patti Mullen May 29, 2014 (6:37 am)

My most heartfelt condolences to the entire Robinson family. The legacy left behind by both mom and dad is one of commitment to community, keen wit, and an ever-present generous spirit. It was a complete honor to experience Jerry’s gracious nature and learn from his sharp sense of building a community newspaper. My warmest regards as always gentlemen…

bonnie May 29, 2014 (10:29 am)

R.I.P. So sorry for your loss Tim, Eileen and all of the extended family. Love and prayers.
Bonnie Kennelly Damey and Family

Sam Fenner May 30, 2014 (6:06 pm)

As a volunteer at Highline Medical Center, I had a chance to meet Jerry on separate occasions. He was always good for a conversation and a story. I have enjoyed reading his articles over the years. My prayers go out to his family and friends.